Derby manager Gary Rowett revealed how a pep talk with Matej Vydra paid off as the Czech striker continued his remarkable scoring record against Nottingham Forest in the 2-0 Sky Bet Championship win at Pride Park.

Vydra bagged his ninth goal in eight games against Forest and then set up the second for David Nugent to seal the Rams' victory in the 100th domestic game between the local rivals.

Derby got off to the best possible start when Vydra was allowed to run across the edge of the area before unleashing a fine low shot which arrowed into the bottom-left corner after only 24 seconds. Forest squandered chances to equalise before Nugent gave the hosts some breathing space five minutes into the second half.

Matej Vydra can be the best number 10 in the league according to Derby boss Gary Rowett

The Rams manager said a pep talk with Vydra helped continue his impressive run of form

Share this article

Share

Vydra left to a standing ovation in the 70th minute and Rowett said: 'It was a fantastic goal from Matej. I spoke to him (on Saturday) and said to him that he's got everything to be the best number 10 in this division.

'Both feet are fantastic, he can run, he's quick, powerful and I think he showed that ability for that first goal.'

Barrie McKay should have equalised after 35 minutes when Liam Bridcutt sent him clear only for Scott Carson to turn his shot behind.

Jason Cummings scooped a shot over seconds before Vydra was again given too much space to run into and he put Nugent in for a low shot across Jordan Smith in the 50th minute.

'We navigated some moments and I thought the McKay chance halfway through the first half was a big moment,' Rowett said. 'But after the second goal I thought we started to control the game and should have added to the two goals.

'I don't know the exact stats but I think Vydra and Nugent have scored about eight or nine goals between them in 13 or 14 games so it's a simple fact that, in particular at home, those two have been our best performers in terms of goals and attacking play.'

Vydra scored one and assisted another in Derby's latest victory over Nottingham Forest

The forward man has now scored nine goals in his last eight games for the Rams

Forest manager Mark Warburton lamented his side's lack of quality in the final third as they left empty-handed.

He said: 'It's very frustrating for the players and the supporters because if you lose and you play poorly you have to put your hand up and say we deserved to lose, but after giving away the goal so early in an intimidating atmosphere we responded magnificently.

'We created so many chances and we have to take them. I thought we were very good for long periods but that's not what our supporters or our players want to hear.

'It's not about possession - possession is irrelevant - it's about creating quality chances. It was deeply frustrating because you want the fans to see them play good football and get reward for doing so.'